November 15, 2017

For over 160 years, Bellewood & Brooklawn has worked hard at giving children the help they need to heal the emotional wounds of the trauma they have endured.  Though we have been through changes over the years, we have never wavered from our central focus of providing hope and healing to children.   An opportunity that has recently presented itself, which will allow us to not only continue that mission, but to build on it and provide even better care for children. 

Bellewood & Brooklawn and Centerstone Kentucky (formerly Seven Counties Services) have recently signed a letter of intent to merge our two agencies.  If finalized, this merger will create one of the most comprehensive child welfare agencies in the state of Kentucky and give children a true continuum of care that currently does not exist in the foster care system. 

By combining each organization’s individual strengths, we will create shorter stays in residential care and get children back to more stable home settings, all while continuing to serve their needs.   Research has shown that this approach is best for children in need in our community. We know that by bringing Bellewood & Brooklawn and Centerstone Kentucky together, we can eliminate much of the disruption of services, confusion and discord that currently exists during such transitions.  This is a much-needed solution to a problem that has long plagued the foster care system and kept many children from being successful. 

I want to assure you that nothing will change with regard to the work Bellewood & Brooklawn is currently doing, and preserving the strong foundation we have created serving at-risk children is of the utmost priority to us. 

Sincerely, 

Abbreial Drane
President/CEO